SPRINGFIELD, IL – Congressman Rodney Davis received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of his significant contributions to the fight against cancer and leadership on the successful passage of the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2020.
“Rep. Davis has long been a dedicated champion when it comes to the fight against cancer, repeatedly prioritizing legislation that is critical to our mission to reduce suffering and death from this disease – especially the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “We’re grateful for the leadership and committed he displays when it comes to addressing the burden of cancer for families across the country.”
ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.
“Rep. Davis has been committed to making the fight against cancer a priority after supporting his wife through her battled with colorectal cancer,” said Shana Crews, ACS CAN government relations director. “To ensure that sure legislation to help prevent and treat cancer is a top national priority, Rep. Davis teamed up with Rep. Payne, Jr. to create the Congressional Colorectal Cancer Caucus.”
The award was presented on Sept. 28 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met virtually with their elected officials to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and address barriers that prevent diverse populations from enrolling in clinical trials.
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society's nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we're more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.